The 27-year head coach of Lafayette track and field and cross country will retire at the end of the year

May 25, 2013

EASTON, Pa. – Lafayette track and field and cross country head coach Julio Piazza was honored with the Second Annual Maroon Club Athletic Staff Achievement Award on Friday evening at the College’s annual pre-commencement awards dinner.

The award, which is voted on by the Maroon Club Executive Committee, is given to a full-time athletics department staff member who has demonstrated outstanding service to Lafayette College and its athletics program. This award is the highest honor the Maroon Club can bestow upon an athletics staff member.

“I am elated that the Maroon Club Executive Committee bestowed this prestigious award to Julio,” Lafayette Director of Athletics Bruce McCutcheon said. “Coach Piazza has served Lafayette College and his student-athletes with distinction for nearly three decades. He is a consummate leader, teacher, mentor and coach.”

During his career on College Hill, Piazza has racked up eight Patriot League Coach of the Year awards as well as mentoring numerous Patriot League champions and school record-holders. This past spring, junior Rose Willey added to his champion list when she took first place in the 3000m Steeplechase.

Piazza’s students have also excelled in the classroom as senior Nick Orzol and Willey were both named to the Academic All-Patriot League Team this spring. Additionally, senior Nick Hepp was honored with the 2012 Maroon Club Scholar-Athlete Award in November.

Following the end of the school year, long-time associate head coach Michele Curcio will take over as head coach of the track and field and cross country programs.

Lafayette Athletics, as a partner in the mission of the College, provides an incredibly effective learning experience for student-athletes through competitive NCAA Division I athletics. Lafayette sponsors 23 varsity sports with more than 600 student-athletes.